Banks’ “Esperanza” claims second sailing victory in a row

by Bajan Reporter / July 13th, 2013

Make it two in a row for Banks Esperanza.

In a dominant display of sailing prowess, Ian Mayers skippered his J-24 to its second victory in as many months, winning the Harris Paints Regatta last weekend in a sometimes choppy and breezy Carlisle Bay.

Impulse, captained by Neil Burke, finished second, while Hawkeye, under the command of Robert Povey, finished third.

Banks Esperanza, skippered by Ian Mayers, claimed the overall title at the Harris Paints Regatta last weekend.

Esperanza’s successful outing came on the heels of their triumph in the First Citizens Investment Services Regatta in June, which doubled as the local J-24 Open Championships.

“Ian and his crew sailed beautifully over the weekend, winning two races on Saturday and claiming yet another victory on Sunday,” said Charles Walcott, category manager for Banks Holdings Limited.

“Their commitment to the sport has been unwavering and their steady gains over the past couple of years were on display for all to see. Well done to the entire Esperanza team; we are proud of you all.”

For the first time in its 30 year history, the Harris Paints Regatta featured a multi-hull class, with Buccaroo, skippered by Danny Parravicino, claiming the overall honours. Ron Williams’ Tyco and Bryn Palmer’s Silver Bullet finished second and third respectively.

The Racing/Cruising Class was won by Cyril Lecrenay’s Bunga Bunga, while Ron Hunt’s Jaystar finished second and Peter Hoad’s Paddington third.

Prior to this most recent victory, Esperanza, with its unmistakable bright red Banks Beer-themed livery, enjoyed much success off the south and west coasts of Barbados.

Winning the overall title at the Consumers’ Guarantee Insurance (CGI) Regatta in March, Mayers skippered his crew to a third place finish at the Mount Gay Regatta in May, before finishing fourth overall – with a race win – at the Lucky Horseshoe Regatta in June. With the proverbial ‘wind in their sails‘, they then went on to claim four race victories and the overall title at the J-24 Open Championships.

“With consistent podium finishes, along with their recent string of overall victories, Esperanza has solidified itself as one of the leading J-24’s on the island. As such, we are pleased to have such a strong, reliable and tactful crew represent the ‘Beer of Barbados‘ and we wish them continued success on the high seas,” added Walcott.